Peggy Chirico ~ Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate Blog: January 2011

Ten Thousand Villages in South Windsor, CT

Ten Thousand Villages is a store offering handmade collections of jewelry, accessories, art, sculpture, and home decor items that are made by people of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.  With stores thoughout the U.S. and Canada, Ten Thousand Villages states that its mission "is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships."  I was particularly impressed with their One Reason Why Campaign, which details a very comprehensive commitment to this philosophy.

Ten Thousand Villages seeks to support artisans who would be unemployed or underemployed by engaging in fair trade so they can provide for themselves and their families.  The idea began in 1946 by Edna Ruth Byler to create a market in North America for the handmade products of developing countries.  What grew into SELFHELP: Crafts of the World would be renamed Ten Thousand Villages in 1996, which would open its first retail stores in 1997.  In 2006, it began offering products online, and now has a facebook page with over 16,000 fans. 

Ten Thousand Villages has also been named one of the most ethical companies by Forbes Magazine and Ethisphere Institute for 2008, 2009, and 2010.

The South Windsor store recently opened in Evergreen Walk and is definitely worth the trip for interesting, handmade gifts, artwork, jewelry, fair-trade coffee and chocolate, and international music.  If you don't have time to visit the store, you can shop for gifts online and see some of the unique gifts that they offer.

Snow is doing serious damage!

With the record snowfall this year, most of us are concerned with removing the snow from our driveways so we can get out and drive.  But we should also pay attention to where else the snow is piling up.

Just this morning in the Hartford Courant, there were numerous articles about the damage done to roofs.  In Somers, for example, the snow collapsed a barn and injured two horses to such an extent that they had to be euthanized.  Several area businesses, commercial buildings, and residential garages and houses have experienced roof collapses.  As claims come in and as emergency crews are called upon, we are sure to hear of other catastrophes.

On Thursday, Governor Malloy urged people to get the snow off the roofs, especially if the roofs are flat or have a smaller slope.  Experts also advocate homeowners to make sure that vents to heating systems are not blocked with snow or ice.  Another problem associated with the heavy snowfall is ice dams.  As the snow melts, the water collects in the gutters where it freezes and prevents melting snow on the roof from going anywhere.  The water can seep under the shingles where can cause damage to ceilings inside the house.  Reuben Saltzman did a great job on explaining ice dams and how to correct them, so if your gutters are iced up, you will want to check out his posts.

To sum up:

• Get the snow off the roof if possible
• Check for frozen gutters and ice dams
• Make sure vents to the heating system are not blocked.

The snow may be beautiful to look at, but it is causing serious damage.  Homeowners need to be aware of how the damage occurs and take steps to minimize the extent of the damage.

For recent posts and pictures of the snow:

Mountains of Snow

On Days Like This, I Am Grateful for Indoor Plumbing

Winter Won't Last Forever!

Mountains of Snow

We have been hit hard with snow this winter.  At first, it was an interesting diversion, but this last 14 inches of snow (on top of who knows how many feet) is getting tiring.  The snowblower is great for the driveway, but we can't get it onto the deck so we have to shovel that by hand. 

It's great snowman-building snow, but it's not fun when it sticks to the shovel and weighs a ton.  I finished the deck so my dog Java would be able to get outside.  Here are a few pictures of the mountain of snow around my deck and how deep it is compared to the trees and gazebo.

Here is another picture of my backyard.

It is pretty to look at, but I am wondering what is going to happen when it all melts, as it must do at some point.  Not to mention the icicles hanging from my gutters that are so big that I think they will pull the gutters off the house.  They could also impale someone.

And finally, just to put it all in perspective, here is my husband (5'11") standing next to the snow on the driveway.

Our world is at a standstill, and I don't mind that.  After I have another cup of coffee, I might take a walk and see what other pictures I can snap while the snow is still a beautiful white.   Or I might just stay inside where it's nice and warm.

The Year in Review - Vernon CT Median Home Prices

Like other towns in the area, Vernon experienced two spikes in the number of home sales during 2010--one in June when the homebuyer tax credit expired and one at the end of the year.  Let's look at the number of closed sales by month for the year 2010:

Now let's take a look at the median prices for each month during 2010 in Vernon CT.

For the year, the total number of closed sales was 170 in 2010 compared to 222 in 2009.  The median price for the entire year was $191,000 in 2010, compared to $194,450 in 2009.  So while there was a significant decrease in the number of sales, the median price fell only slightly.

Another interesting observation is that median days on market was 39.5 in 2010, compared to 47 in 2009.

Fun with a Can of Spray Paint

Maybe winter is a little long here, but this weekend I decided that I needed a few fun projects to engage my creative spirit.  What's better than a can of spray paint?

If you are looking for some low-cost home improvement ideas, think about what you can do with a can of spray paint.

How many things can you paint with a can of spray paint?  Apparently, quite a few. 

First, I removed all the cabinet hardware in my kitchen, scrubbed them well with vinegar and water, dried them thoroughly, and painted them with Rustoleum Hammered Metal (Silver finish).  My cabinets look rejuvenated and the hardware looks like new.

Second, I spraypainted some picture frames that just didn't look that good after I repainted the bathroom. With a fresh coat of the hammered silver finish, the frames really compliment the photographs and my bathroom looks quite chic.

Third, I was about to throw out an old gold-tone basket(you know how everyone hates that color now!) that I had used for toiletries in the bathroom.  But then, armed with the spray paint, I gave it new life and it looks great with the picture frames.

Next, I will repaint a gold-tone wreath that is looking a little dated and maybe even try painting a lamp base.

For low-cost home improvements, try a can of spray paint.  For five dollars, you can get an updated look on hardward and accessories and have fun doing it.  All in all, a very satisfying day.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  Use spray paint only in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask.  The fumes are pretty noxious and you don't want that in your lungs.  It's hard to find a space that is well-ventilated in the winter, but I was able to use my garage which was warm enough.  I opened the door while I was spraying and then moved the pieces into the house to dry.

What's the difference between a condo and a PUD?

Many of my clients who are looking at condos will assume that all more-densely populated developments are condominiums, whether they are looking at converted apartment buildings, new townhouse developments, duplex or triplex communities, or planned single-family homes with very small lot sizes. 

However, the appearance of the community does not determine whether a complex is a condo or a PUD (planned unit development); it is a matter of ownership and how the community was set up.  Some communities look like PUDs, but are actually condominiums.  For example, Lakewood in South Windsor, CT is a PUD (sometimes called PAD for Planned Area Development) whereas Whitney Crossing in Vernon, CT (which is a community of detached homes) is listed as a condominium.

In a condominium, the individual units are owned by each tenant, but all the common areas are owned by the tenants jointly (as tenants in common).  In a planned unit community, each tenant owns the unit and may have rights and responsibilities to the property the unit sits on; ownership of the common areas is shared among the association.

The Homeowner Association fees vary widely among condos and PUDs; some PUDs have very low fees, but not always. A prospective buyer should find out exactly what amenities are available and what the HOA fees cover.  Some condominium communities seem to have higher fees but may include heat, hot water, basic cable, etc.  Communities with very low fees may only pay for snowplowing and maintenance of common grounds.

In addition, don't rely on MLS to find out if a community is a condo or a PUD/PAD.  I have seen some units in the same complex listed as condos, while other units are listed as PUDs/PADs. 

A prospective buyer must delve deeper into the bylaws and written documents of the community to find out the extent of one's rights and responsibilities.  Both types of ownership may have restrictions on such things as pets, maintenance, improvements, subleasing, insurance, etc.  The legal documents will tell you the boundaries of your property, your responsibilities  for repairs (as well as the community's responsibilities), what changes if any you can make to the exterior, etc. 

Why does this matter to a buyer?  You will want to know this information before making a decision about purchasing, so don't wait until you have written a contract before getting the information.  The type of ownership will have a great impact on the type of financing and insurance you will need.

This post describes very general distinctions between condos and PUDS, but prospective buyers should be aware that the terms are not interchangeable.   Please verify type of ownership to see if the property would be right for you.

Vernon CT Market Report for December 2010

During December 2010, there were 13 closed sales in Vernon CT with a median price of $181,000.  During December 2009, there were 18 closed sales with a median price of $200,500.

So the housing market, based on these two pieces of information, show a decline in both the number of closed sales and the median price.  Here is the breakdown by price range:

On a more positive note, however, the median days on the market decreased significantly in 2010.  Median days on market in 2010 was 21 days, whereas in 2009 it was 78.

There are also currently ten properties under contract and twelve homes under deposit, so the new year looks to be heading in the right direction.

If you are looking for a home in Vernon, there are currently 92 homes on the market, ranging from an investor special for $44,900 to a lake-front home for $549,900.  The median price of all the homes currently on the market is $216,950. Use the form below to modify your search, and contact me if you need any help.

Should I put my home on the market now or should I wait until spring?

I am often asked this question by sellers who think it would be better to wait until spring to sell their homes.

Of course, here in Connecticut, they have valid concerns about putting their home on the market in the winter.  The main concern that people have is that their home won't show as well in the winter as it will in the spring.  This is true, unless you are using the snow to hide your home's imperfections.

They are also concerned that there aren't as many buyers in the winter as there are in the spring.  This is true as well.  However the buyers who are looking now tend to be more serious about buying a house.  Why else would people go out in the cold freezing weather if they didn't have to?  They need to find a house.  January is also a major time for job relocation, so they will be out trying to find their new home.

And finally, homeowners are concerned that the spring market is simply better--more inventory, more buyers, more homes sold.  This is also true.  The spring market is a very active time here in Connecticut, but that can also have a downside.  Because more people wait until spring, there is a lot of competition.  Because buyers have a lot of inventory to choose from, their decisions are harder, and they may look at many more houses before they feel comfortable making a decision.  And not all buyers really want to buy.  Some just want to look, test the waters, get new ideas for their homes, etc.  Open houses in the spring are usually well-attended for these very reasons.

So should you put your home on the market now or should you wait until spring? Only you can decide whether you should put your home on the market now or wait until spring.  But if you do decide that you want to list your home, you can have an advantage by listing it in the winter.  There are fewer buyers, but they are more serious buyers.  There is also less competition, so if your home is priced well, it may be the most attractive option out there for the serious buyers.

If you decide to put your home on the market now, make sure that you do everything possible to compensate for the negative impact of the weather.  With icicles dripping from the roof and snow covering the roof, landscaping, driveway, and sidewalks, it is harder for people to really see all that your home has to offer.  But there are things you can do to show your home off to its best advantage.

Ways to Show Off Your Home in the Winter

• Make sure that the driveway and sidewalks are well-shoveled; turn on all outdoor lighting early if you have a late afternoon showing.
• Provide an extra mat for people to wipe their boots, and make sure the entry way is welcoming.
• Keep your home well-lit, clean, warm, and free of clutter so it will seem like a respite from the cold.
• Show off the fireplace if you have one.  If you don't want to light a fire, you can use battery-operated candles to cast a nice glow.  If you have a gas fireplace, turn it on.
• Find a room freshener that smells like apple pie. 
• Add a new throw, a coffee cup, and some books to a reading nook so people can picture themselves curling up to read.
• Post pictures of your beautiful gardens and landscaping as they appear in the spring.  Also have information on all the exterior aspects that they can't see, such as when your new driveway was installed, when you replaced your roof and your central air conditioning system, etc.
• Considering offering a home warranty so the new buyers will have more confidence with those elements that they can't see or test.

Home Sales in the Bowers School District in Manchester CT

The Bowers School District in Manchester CT is one of the sought after areas of affordable homes in Manchester. With its tree-lined and sidewalked streets, the Bowers School District has a quiet neighborhood feel while being close enough to schools, playgrounds, restaurants, and shops.

There is a variety of architectural styles in the area, but many are capes and colonials built in the 1940s and 1950s.  Many of the homes in the Bowers School District have been upgraded and showcase the solid construction and beautiful woodwork reminiscent of the era.  Anyone who is lucky enough to find a house in need of updating may find a true bargain and a diamond in the rough.

Ask anyone in Manchester what they think of Princeton Street and they will probably say it is one of the most beautiful streets in Manchester.  The street is wide, with a canopy of trees over it, and the houses are beautifully cared for.  The side streets and the surrounding areas have their own charm as well.

During the last quarter of 2010, there were seven homes that closed in the Bowers School District.

220 Middle Turnpike: A fully remodeled two-bedroom, two-bathroom cape with 1229 sq. ft. and brand new kitchen sold for $165,500.

87 White Street: A well-kept three-bedroom, two-bathroom cape with 1229 sq. ft., a beautiful deck, and central air for $176,000.

265 Henry Street: An adorable two-bedroom, one-bathroom cape with 1480 sq. ft. with beautiful hardwood floors, a screened in porch, and a fenced in back yard for $165,000.

25 Cole Street: A well-kept two bedroom, one bathroom ranch with central air, a one-car attached garage, finished lower level, and beautiful gardens on a quiet street for $187,000.

68 Doane Street: A beautiful cape with three bedrooms, one and a half baths, 1814 sq. ft., oversized two-car garage, remodeled kitchen, and central air for $190,000.

119 North Elm Street: A stately colonial with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, 2015 sq. ft., newly remodeled kitchen, beautiful gardens, and a new roof for $249,900.

157 Brookfield Street: A cape with four bedrooms, one bath, and 1200 sq. ft. The home needed updating but it closed for $120,000.

As you can see, there is a lot of value in the homes in the Bowers School District.  If you are in the market for a home with great value in the Bowers School District, there are at least 17 homes on the market (some listings don't specify the school so they won't come up on the search).  If you would like to search for homes in this area, use the search form below to modify your search, and let me know if can help.

Read books on your iPod!  Maybe everyone already knows how to do this, but I just discovered this yesterday!

I own a Sony Reader which I absolutely love, but I have to connect it to my laptop if I want to download books. Sometimes that's just not conventient.

Yesterday, my daughter (love those tech-savvy youngsters) showed me how I could use the WI-FI from my iPod to download books. 

The app is Stanza from Lexcycle; it's free and it offers connections to several e-book sources for free public domain books as well as books for purchase.   The books are easy to download and the features are awesome.  You can change from day to night reading, look up words in the dictionary, make notations, bookmark, etc.

If you go to the Stanza site, there is a great video tutorial that explains everything, but if you don't want ten minutes of instruction, the FAQ section is well-laid out and answered all my questions.

In about one second each, I downloaded The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and A Tale of Two Cities without even connecting to iTunes or my computer.  Awesome!

I still love my Sony Reader, but there is definitely a time and place for reading books on my iPod.  The app is so simple and sophisticated that I am sure I will be using it frequently. 

If you love to read, the Stanza app for your iPod or iPhone is a great tool.